We often think of the term first responder in terms of paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and rescue specialists. However, even the most efficient first responders can be several minutes away when disaster strikes, and injured people may bleed to death before these hard-working professionals are able to arrive at the scene.

Currently, uncontrolled post-traumatic bleeding is the top cause of preventable deaths among trauma patients. If we expect this grim fact to change, each and every one of us must be prepared to be an immediate responder. That means knowing how to stop uncontrolled bleeding until professional first responders can arrive.

Fortunately, national survey findings indicate that the general public wants to learn bleeding control techniques. Many people may not know where to start learning the basics, or may not be able to afford to sign up for a formal trauma care class. This is where National Stop the Bleed Day comes in.

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March 31st, 2018 is National Stop the Bleed Day. On that day, bleeding control (B-CON) specialists around the world will offer a free day of training to anyone who is interested in knowing how to save lives. In the words of the NSTBD chairs and organizers: “We do not want your money. We are not selling anything. We do not have a foundation. We only offer to empower you, to give you information. Learn to stop bleeding and save lives.”

The National Stop the Bleed Day organizers statement continues, “You will not prevent all violence, all accidents, all trauma. You will only be prepared to help, or react by running, freezing… You can help limit untimely and tragic death by learning simple life-saving techniques:

1. Learn how to stop bleeding
2. Use and carry a tourniquet
3. Apply pressure and pack a wound
4. Learn to open an airway and the recovery position

Thousands of people per year could be saved from potentially survivable traumatic death. With your preparation. With your willingness to help. You can read what we have to say, take a class with a reputable instructor, and equip yourself with proven solution.”

For more information on National Stop the Bleed Day as March 31st approaches, visit StoptheBleedDay.org or follow National Stop the Bleed Day on Facebook. You can also spread the word on social media using the hashtag #NSTBD18.

Written by Patrick McCarthy